Ana Ivanovic withdraws from Olympics

Ana Ivanovic withdrew from Olympic Games because of inflammation in her right hand that has bothered her for several weeks.

Ana came to Olympics with injury that began to bother her last month why she hasn't been able to practice. She was expected to play her first-round match for Serbia on Monday, but after consulting with a doctor, she said she needs more rest.

"This is the most disappointing moment in my career," said a tearful Ana. "A whole team of doctors have been helping me over the last 15 days or so but the improvement came too late. Yesterday I was able to hold my racket properly for the first time but I still have a lot of pain in my thumb. There's no way I can hit the ball."

"We did everything we could but we ran out of time. I will continue to have treatment from an osteopath and hopefully I will be ready for the U.S. Open."

"I would like to thank the medical team for their efforts, and for the many people who sent me messages of support. I'm sorry to all the people who were hoping to see me play at the Olympics, and represent my country there for the first time. It's so disappointing."

"The best way for me to get over this disappointment is to do well in New York."

The US Open starts on 25th August.

(source Mondo, Ana Ivanovic website)